Ukraine 3

[Kamaji]

Air defences are set up near Putin's forest palace days after missiles were deployed near his official residence in latest sign the Russian leader fears a direct strike from Ukraine

By WILL STEWART and RACHAEL BUNYAN FOR MAILONLINE
23 January 2023

Air defences have been set up near Vladimir Putin's forest palace days after missiles were deployed by his official residence near Moscow in the latest sign that the Russian leader fears a direct strike from Ukraine.

A Pantsir-S1 defence system has been established near the Valdai presidential palace in Yascherovo, a village halfway between Moscow and St Petersburg.

Similar systems have been set up close to Putin's official residence in Novo-Ogarevo in the past week, evidently to protect him from Ukrainian drones or missiles.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11665923/Air-defences-set-near-Putins-palace-latest-sign-leader-fears-direct-strike-Ukraine.html

[catfish1957]

Air defences are set up near Putin's forest palace days after missiles were deployed near his official residence in latest sign the Russian leader fears a direct strike from Ukraine

False flag go gin up support from the angry war weary Russian populus?

The Ukes have mostly and smartly stayed in defensive posture.  I don't see that changing, at least from my POV.

[Kamaji]

Ukraine 'downs three Russian helicopters in half an hour' as top spy chief warns Putin faces 'ruin' if his planned new military offensive fails

By JACK NEWMAN FOR MAILONLINE
24 January 2023

Ukraine has destroyed three Russian helicopters in just half an hour, its air force has claimed.

Last night three Ka-52 choppers became the latest casualties of Vladimir Putin's botched invasion, with an estimated 281 of the Kremlin's helicopters downed since the outbreak of war 11 months ago.

The £12million single-seat aircraft is nicknamed the Black Shark and has been described as Russia's 'deadliest helicopter'.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11669991/Ukraine-downs-three-Russian-helicopters-half-hour.html

[Kamaji]

Wagner mercenary chief risks further angering Putin as he dismisses Moscow generals as 'a bunch of clowns' and boasts his troops are superior to Russia's… as Vladimir fires ANOTHER military leader

By WILL STEWART and CHRIS JEWERS FOR MAILONLINE
24 January 2023

Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin has risked further angering Vladimir Putin by dismissing Moscow's generals as 'a bunch of clowns' while boasting that his mercenary army is superior to the Russian Armed Forces.

Ambitious henchman Yevgeny Prigozhin - who runs the 50,000-strong Wagner private army - is increasingly seen as posing a rising threat to the Kremlin leader with his daily grandstanding and outspoken boasts.

His relations with Putin are increasingly strained, say reports, but Prigozhin continues to taunt the Kremlin president and his army top brass as his Wagner mercenaries and Ukrainian forces remain locked in battle over the city of Bakhmut.

*  *  *

Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11670461/Wagner-chief-risks-angering-Putin-dismisses-Moscow-generals-bunch-clowns.html

[mystery-ak]

 In reversal, US poised to approve Abrams tanks for Ukraine
by LOLITA C. BALDOR and MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press - 01/24/23 1:20 PM ET



WASHINGTON (AP) — In what would be a reversal, the Biden administration is poised to approve sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Tuesday, as international reluctance toward sending tanks to the battlefront against the Russians begins to erode. The decision could be announced as soon as Wednesday, though it could take months or years for the tanks to be delivered.

U.S. officials said details are still being worked out. One official said the tanks would be bought under an upcoming Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package, which provides longer-range funding for weapons and equipment to be purchased from commercial vendors.

The U.S. announcement is expected to come on Wednesday in coordination with an announcement by Germany that it will approve Poland’s request to transfer German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, according to one official. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not yet been made public.

Weapons provided through USAI can take many months to several years to reach the battlefield. Much of the aid sent so far has been through a separate program drawing on Pentagon stocks to get weapons more quickly to Ukraine. But even under that program, it would take months to get tanks to Ukraine and to get Ukrainian forces trained on them.

It’s also unknown how many tanks would be approved.

____ Associated Press writers Tara Copp and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.

https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-politics/ap-in-reversal-us-poised-to-approve-abrams-tanks-for-ukraine/

[Hoodat]

the Biden administration is poised to approve sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Tuesday

In other words, we can guarantee that no US M1s will turn up in Ukraine for 2023.

[Kamaji]

In other words, we can guarantee that no US M1s will turn up in Ukraine for 2023.

Or beyond, quite possibly.

[Timber Rattler]

In reversal, US poised to approve Abrams tanks for Ukraine

https://apnews.com/article/us-m1-abrams-tanks-ukraine-russia-249de5c301a9bf83b5f3ac2182076a02?taid=63d01f513243920001282383&utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter

In what would be a reversal, the Biden administration is poised to approve sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Tuesday, as international reluctance to send tanks to the battlefront against the Russians begins to erode. The decision could be announced as soon as Wednesday, though it could take months or years for the tanks to be delivered.

U.S. officials said details are still being worked out. One official said the tanks would be bought under an upcoming Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package, which provides longer-range funding for weapons and equipment to be purchased from commercial vendors.

The U.S. announcement is expected to come on Wednesday in coordination with an announcement by Germany that it will approve Poland’s request to transfer German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, according to one official. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not yet been made public.

By agreeing to send the Abrams at an as-yet unspecified time under the assistance initiative, the administration is able to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s demand for an American commitment without having to send the tanks immediately.

EXCERPT

[Maj. Bill Martin]

It'll take awhile to get enough Abrams there to make a difference, but they differently are a difference maker.

[240B]

Air defences are set up near Putin's forest palace days after missiles were deployed near his official residence in latest sign the Russian leader fears a direct strike from Ukraine
*  *  *
Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11665923/Air-defences-set-near-Putins-palace-latest-sign-leader-fears-direct-strike-Ukraine.html

SCALP-EG
500 km range. 500kg warhead.

Moscow on Fire is more than just a slogan. You reap what you sow.

[Hoodat]

Ukraine corruption scandal claims several top officials

ANDREW MELDRUM  |  yesterday

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Several senior Ukrainian officials, including front-line governors, lost their jobs Tuesday in a corruption scandal plaguing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government as it grapples with the nearly 11-month-old Russian invasion.

Ukraine’s biggest government shake-up since the war began came as U.S. officials said Washington was poised to approve supplying Kyiv with M1 Abrams tanks, with international reluctance eroding toward sending tanks to the battlefront against the Russians.

Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 on an anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform in a country long gripped by graft, and the new allegations come as Western allies are channeling billions of dollars to help Kyiv fight against Moscow.  .  .

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-government-30e547e614babcacff2e68cecd62b551

[sneakypete]

In other words, we can guarantee that no US M1s will turn up in Ukraine for 2023.

@Hoodat

Not true!

It all depends of who deposits the most cash Biden's offshore accounts,the Russians who will be trying to stop the tranks from coming,and the Ukrainians who desperately need those tanks.

It's ALL about da benjamins,period!

[Kamaji]

Ukraine corruption scandal claims several top officials

ANDREW MELDRUM  |  yesterday

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Several senior Ukrainian officials, including front-line governors, lost their jobs Tuesday in a corruption scandal plaguing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government as it grapples with the nearly 11-month-old Russian invasion.

Ukraine’s biggest government shake-up since the war began came as U.S. officials said Washington was poised to approve supplying Kyiv with M1 Abrams tanks, with international reluctance eroding toward sending tanks to the battlefront against the Russians.

Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 on an anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform in a country long gripped by graft, and the new allegations come as Western allies are channeling billions of dollars to help Kyiv fight against Moscow.  .  .

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-government-30e547e614babcacff2e68cecd62b551

Further from the article:

In all, four deputy ministers and five governors of front-line provinces were set to leave their posts, the country’s cabinet secretary said on the Telegram messaging app.

Takes courage to tackle internal corruption issues while one is in the midst of an existential battle for one's very existence.

[Timber Rattler]

Zelensky is getting beat up about this, but it seems like he's doing exactly what we're demanding...holding corrupt Ukrainian officials accountable and cleaning house after he catches them red-handed.

Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't?

[Maj. Bill Martin]

This initial approval is for 31, which isn't many but is enough to outfit a Ukrainian tank battalion.   They will absolutely chew to shreds the Russian armor they encounter.  Hopefully, they'll save them for Zaporizhzhia and more open tank country then wasting them as infantry support in the Donbass.

Trick is going to be ensuring they have enough supporting anti-air assets, because the Russians undoubtedly will focus on taking them out when they can.

[Smokin Joe]

This initial approval is for 31, which isn't many but is enough to outfit a Ukrainian tank battalion.   They will absolutely chew to shreds the Russian armor they encounter.  Hopefully, they'll save them for Zaporizhzhia and more open tank country then wasting them as infantry support in the Donbass.

Trick is going to be ensuring they have enough supporting anti-air assets, because the Russians undoubtedly will focus on taking them out when they can.

Release the (formerly) Polish MiGs!

[Kamaji]

Zelensky is getting beat up about this, but it seems like he's doing exactly what we're demanding...holding corrupt Ukrainian officials accountable and cleaning house after he catches them red-handed.

Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't?

Exactly.

[Maj. Bill Martin]

Zelensky is getting beat up about this, but it seems like he's doing exactly what we're demanding...holding corrupt Ukrainian officials accountable and cleaning house after he catches them red-handed.

Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't?

 

[Elderberry]

Ukraine arms race: West sends Kyiv 200 heavy tanks, after all. 1,000 Iranian missiles for Moscow

DEBKA file 1/25/2023

The US and Germany have dropped their longstanding denial of tanks for Ukraine. On Jan. 25, the Biden administration announced the consignment of two M-1 Abrams tanks brigades and a unit of “recovery vehicles” for repairing tanks. In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was now ready to make available to the Ukraine forces the same number of hitherto withheld Leopard 2 tanks. Germany also lifted its veto on those tanks being released to Ukraine by the allied armies using them – Spain, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
Furthermore the British government assigned a supply of its heavy Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv, alongside France’s offer of light AMX 10-RC tanks to the same recipient.

In response, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential bureau said: “A few hundred tanks for our tank crews… That is going to become a real punching fist of democracy.”

Russia is meanwhile running its own arms buildup. This week, Moscow cut a deal with Tehran for the substantial supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to the Russian army. Informed sources estimate the deal as covering 1,000 Fatteh 110 Zolfaghar ballistic missiles.

More: https://www.debka.com/ukraine-arms-race-west-sends-kyiv-200-heavy-tanks-after-all-1000-iranian-missiles-for-moscow/

[bilo]

Zelensky is getting beat up about this, but it seems like he's doing exactly what we're demanding...holding corrupt Ukrainian officials accountable and cleaning house after he catches them red-handed.

Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't?

It's good that he is pursuing corruption, but why didn't he do this earlier?

We need to be a lot smarter about the aid we provide. We should get weapons over there and make sure they are being put to good use.

[bilo]

Ukraine arms race: West sends Kyiv 200 heavy tanks, after all. 1,000 Iranian missiles for Moscow

DEBKA file 1/25/2023

The US and Germany have dropped their longstanding denial of tanks for Ukraine. On Jan. 25, the Biden administration announced the consignment of two M-1 Abrams tanks brigades and a unit of “recovery vehicles” for repairing tanks. In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was now ready to make available to the Ukraine forces the same number of hitherto withheld Leopard 2 tanks. Germany also lifted its veto on those tanks being released to Ukraine by the allied armies using them – Spain, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
Furthermore the British government assigned a supply of its heavy Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv, alongside France’s offer of light AMX 10-RC tanks to the same recipient.

In response, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential bureau said: “A few hundred tanks for our tank crews… That is going to become a real punching fist of democracy.”

Russia is meanwhile running its own arms buildup. This week, Moscow cut a deal with Tehran for the substantial supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to the Russian army. Informed sources estimate the deal as covering 1,000 Fatteh 110 Zolfaghar ballistic missiles.

More: https://www.debka.com/ukraine-arms-race-west-sends-kyiv-200-heavy-tanks-after-all-1000-iranian-missiles-for-moscow/

Sending the M-1 Abrams tanks may be a mistake. They require special crews for maintenance and run on jet fuel. The other tanks run on diesel and I believe are easier to maintain. If the Germans weren't so difficult it would be better to send more Leopard tanks. The Ukrainians could probably get them in the field quicker.

[Smokin Joe]

Ukraine arms race: West sends Kyiv 200 heavy tanks, after all. 1,000 Iranian missiles for Moscow

DEBKA file 1/25/2023

The US and Germany have dropped their longstanding denial of tanks for Ukraine. On Jan. 25, the Biden administration announced the consignment of two M-1 Abrams tanks brigades and a unit of “recovery vehicles” for repairing tanks. In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was now ready to make available to the Ukraine forces the same number of hitherto withheld Leopard 2 tanks. Germany also lifted its veto on those tanks being released to Ukraine by the allied armies using them – Spain, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
Furthermore the British government assigned a supply of its heavy Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv, alongside France’s offer of light AMX 10-RC tanks to the same recipient.

In response, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential bureau said: “A few hundred tanks for our tank crews… That is going to become a real punching fist of democracy.”

Russia is meanwhile running its own arms buildup. This week, Moscow cut a deal with Tehran for the substantial supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to the Russian army. Informed sources estimate the deal as covering 1,000 Fatteh 110 Zolfaghar ballistic missiles.

More: https://www.debka.com/ukraine-arms-race-west-sends-kyiv-200-heavy-tanks-after-all-1000-iranian-missiles-for-moscow/

That would be a boat worth sinking...

[Kamaji]

It's good that he is pursuing corruption, but why didn't he do this earlier?

We need to be a lot smarter about the aid we provide. We should get weapons over there and make sure they are being put to good use.

Maybe because he didn’t have sufficient evidence earlier?   Geez. 

[Elderberry]

Ukraine Celebrates Tanksgiving

https://www.battleswarmblog.com/?p=53940

After almost a year of dithering, Germany has finally relented and is sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

    After weeks of reluctance, Germany has agreed to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, in what Kyiv hopes will be a game-changer on the battlefield.

    Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the decision to send 14 tanks – and allow other countries to send theirs too – at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

But that’s not the only big tank news.

    US President Joe Biden’s administration is also expected to announce plans to send at least 30 M1 Abrams tanks.

Biden just announced while I was writing this that the U.S. will provide 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

    It could take months to deliver the tanks because the U.S. has to purchase them through a procurement process.

    The move marks a reversal for the Biden administration, which had resisted sending the tanks, and comes as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced his country would provide 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks for Ukraine’s military. Britain said earlier this month it will provide 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks. France plans to contribute 10 armed fighting vehicles.

They’re also sending parts and equipment and eight recovery vehicles.

For the Abrams, the M1A1 and M1A2 are both armed with the L/44, and National Review is reporting that the Biden administration is sending M1A1s. (The original M1 uses the older 105mm rifled M68 gun. That’s thought to be able to penetrate any Soviet armor up to and including the early T-72 models, and possibly some later export models, but not later T-72s and more modern domestic Soviet/Russian tanks. In Desert Storm, even M60 Patton tanks with the 105mm gun were regularly reporting kills on T72s.) Thus Abrams and Leopard 2 120mm rounds of various sorts are fully interchangeable.

The Challenger 2 uses the Royal Ordnance L30 rifled 120mm gun, which uses different ammo.

They’re getting enough Abrams for two plus tank companies (three tank platoons of four tanks each, plus two command tanks), but not enough for a full armor brigade. But add the 14 German Leopard 2s, and presumably you have a force that can rip a hole in any Russian line. Add the already announced Bradleys and other IFVs, and you have a mobile infantry force behind them that can then exploit those holes.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwkvSpZEzlk&t=1s

[Kamaji]

Russia fires wave of missiles at Ukraine after Kyiv secures tanks

By Reuters
January 26, 2023

Russia launched a rush-hour barrage of missiles towards Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least one person, the day after Kyiv secured Western pledges of dozens of modern battlefield tanks to try to push back the Russian invasion.

Moscow reacted with fury to the German and American announcements, and has in the past responded to apparent Ukrainian successes with air strikes that have left millions without light, heat or water.

The Ukrainian military said it had shot down all 24 drones sent overnight by Russia, including 15 around the capital, with no damage reported.

But soon afterward, air raid alarms sounded across Ukraine as people were heading to work, and senior officials said air defenses were shooting down incoming missiles.

The Kremlin said on Thursday it saw the promised delivery of Western tanks to Ukraine as “direct involvement” of the United States and Europe in the 11-month-old conflict, something both deny.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/01/26/russia-launches-attack-on-kyiv-at-least-one-dead/